The MAGNIFY: Back to School
Issue no. 2
September 2026
The MAGNIFY
MY SOUL PROCLAIMS. MY SPIRIT REJOICES
Welcome to Church
Author: Pastor James Sholl
Going back to school was always an emotional time for me. On one level, I didn't want summer to end. On another, I was eager to get back to seeing my friends every day (and, if I'm brutally and nerdily honest, excited to be learning too).
This week, we can pause and reflect on the memories, emotions, and experiences that this time of year brings for so many. I recognize that not everyone was as fortunate as I was. Not everyone was able to make friends or flourish in the classroom. And I realize now that I should have had more patience and compassion for those students (even those teachers whose lives I sometimes made a challenge).
And so it is with church. For some, church has always been a place where they have felt welcomed and have flourished; a place where they have lifelong friends and a hunger to learn more. But for others, it has been a place of both seen and unseen challenges. But we know that God sees all and hears all. And our prayer is that, at Wellspring, we do the same. No matter your story, we celebrate you. Welcome home!
Feature Special
Our focus this month is on Children’s ministries. If you are a parent, we have guidelines and procedures to keep your child safe. If you are interested in volunteering, we have information for you as well.
WELLSPRING SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Nursery
The nursery is offered to babies and infants until 2 years old. It is located near the Triumph Church and the Wellspring Church office. It is a small colorful room which is carpeted so all who enter the room are required to remove their shoes. The infants are free to play with the numerous toys and play equipment and the volunteers interact with them cheerfully. Basic instructions for each child are printed on the registration label.
For example, “no diaper change” can be indicated. All toys that have been mouthed are put away to be cleaned. Occasionally, parents from Triumph will accompany their little one and play with them. There are numerous soft chairs for the adults so they can sit and watch the antics of the children.
Preschool Sunday Classes & Dale
Dale Barker is someone who has been teaching Sunday school for more than 45 years. He is the only teacher of the Preschool class for children ages 2 to 4 and is assisted by Charlie Reaburn and other helpers. Dale deeply appreciated the ones who led the classes and exemplified the scriptural truths they taught. He loves to give the children a better understanding of scripture and God’s love for them. The delight of teaching little people is that there is no predicting how they will answer a question. The children receive a short bible story lesson, an activity which may be a craft or a game, a snack and plenty of time to move and play.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM HIGHLIGHT
Meet Donna Barker
Donna’s prior experience as a professor in University of Toronto specializing in occupational therapy and clinical education gives her an academic and practical understanding of children with exceptionalities. She ensures that the Sunday school classroom accommodates neurodiversity by offering a surplus of activities so that the teachers can quickly adapt to the interests and abilities of the children who show up. Children are given a choice if they wish to participate in an activity, and the freedom to complete their activities their own way. Children may move about if they do not interrupt the lesson. At many points during the lesson, there will be opportunities for movement and free play.
Donna loved going to Sunday school as a child and witnessed God’s love expressed through the wonderful teachers she had. She strongly wants to pass on the love of God, the learning about God, and make each child feel special. It is her joy to see children having fun and making friends. She enjoys being around children and appreciates their eagerness to learn, their joy of life, and the funny questions they sometimes ask. She loves playing games, doing crafts, and music of all types with children. Scripture memorization was a key to her growth as a Christian and is a vital part of the Sunday school lesson.
COMMUNITY SPRING SPECIAL
AWANA!
Authors: Kierstyn Perera and Marsha Marlow
AWANA is a super fun, worldwide discipleship ministry geared toward children and youth ages 2-18. Children work through handbooks developed for their specific age-group club, equipping them with Bible knowledge and teaching that helps them grow in their personal relationships with Christ.
Something special we do at our club is that our Grade 7-12 Trek and Journey students are not just clubbers, they're leaders in training! They take on various leadership roles, including worship, media, games, and skits. In our program, we celebrate God through worship, fun games, theme nights, and our Grand Prix, where clubbers design and race cars made from balsa wood, showcasing creativity, innovation, and fun. The cars are judged on both speed and design, and winners receive trophies to take home.
Hundreds of kids have come through our doors, learning to know, love, and serve Christ for life, and it's amazing to see so many of them go on to step into ministry roles of their own. Ministering to families and supporting them through both good times and difficult seasons has deepened my faith, making it more real, more honest, and unshakable.
We are looking forward to serving your family this year! To register, go to https://www.wellspringtoronto.ca/church/kids.
AWANA runs at Wellspring on Sunday evenings from 6:15pm until 7:45pm.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TIPS
For Parents: All children need to be registered. Allergies and other instructions need to be recorded. The narthex has an attendance system where your child’s name will be printed and attendance recorded. Speak to Pastor James, Marsha Marlow or Lillian Ryan for more information.
Volunteers: We welcome volunteers. To volunteer, you need to have attended Wellspring for at least six months, have police checks, and have undergone PLAN TO PROTECT TRAINING. Our next training will be on September 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Talk to Kierstyn Perera for information.
We have incredible volunteers! Donna and Dale Barker, Bill and Sandy Benn have all been volunteering for children’s ministry for more than 45 years! Marsha Marlow has volunteered for 25 years and Kierstyn Perera for 21 years! Talk to them about what keeps them so dedicated and excited.
Lifted in Prayer
Lord, we pray for all those returning to school, and those entering for the first time. We pray that your perfect love, that casts out fear, rests in their hearts. Amen.
Scripture Corner
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
THE WELL SPEAKS
The Gift of Childlike Wonder
Author: Elder Rita Westacott
As a teacher, my world would restart in September as I watched a new group of children come to life and grow. As a mother and grandmother, my life would be renewed as I watched children discover and interact with the world around them. As children begin this journey of discovery, they live in awe and wonder of the mysteries around them. They learn to ask questions and find answers. They start to understand and appreciate their relationships with nature and people. Whether it is a rainbow in the sky or a snail in the dirt, they look with curiosity and wonder. They make mistakes, shed tears, and learn how things can be made right again. Most importantly, they learn to love and be loved.
Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me… The kingdom of God belongs to such as these… Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them. Jesus tells us to see the world like a child. Look with curiosity. Ask questions. Be eager to discover and learn. Allow God to amaze you with new awareness and understanding. Grow in the knowledge that you are loved, and learn to love more completely.
I turned 70 this summer. The challenge is to remain childlike in learning. It is not about what I know, but allowing God to lead me into a fresh understanding of who I am, of Him, and of the world around me. Perhaps this is what it means to experience life in the Kingdom of God.
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Curated by Simone Nieuwolt
Designed by Ronald Dator
Edited by R. J. Edwards
With Special Thanks to:
James Sholl, Rita Westacott, Marsha Marlow, Kierstyn Perera
Inspired? Have a story to share? Need someone to listen to you? You matter to us and we want to hear from you. Write to GodListens@wellspringtoronto.ca